UNC School of Law recognized outstanding pro bono service among students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners at the annual Pro Bono Publico Awards Ceremony on April 8 in the Rotunda.

The program had a standout year. Students collectively logged 4,787 pro bono hours, with 92% of the 3L class, 65% of 2Ls and 62% of 1Ls completing projects. For the second year in a row, the American Bar Association also recognized Carolina Law’s pro bono program as the only law school in the country for its Free Legal Answers work.

This year’s award recipients were:

• Sylvia K. Novinsky Award: Casey Buttke, ’26, who completed 484 hours across organizations including the Carolina Abortion Fund, Disability Rights North Carolina, the Durham Housing Authority, Legal Aid and the Innocence Project
• 3L of the Year: Mary Amico, ’26
• 2L of the Year: Asia Wegh, ’27
• 1L of the Year: Claire Perry, ’28
• Student Group of the Year: Law Students Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
• Faculty/Staff Member of the Year: Cole Voorhies
• Alum of the Year: Laurena Grissett, ’21
• Partner of the Year: Jason Brenner, Durham Housing Authority

The ceremony also honored 37 graduating students who completed 75 or more pro bono hours during their time at the Law School.